Evaluation of post-vaccination flock immunity against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in small ruminants across selected districts of Borana zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious transboundary viral disease affecting small ruminants, with significant socio-economic consequences in areas such as Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. This sero-monitoring study was conducted in Yabello, Taltale, and Elwaya districts of Borana zone to evaluate the Post-vaccination immunity status of local sheep and goats against PPR.

METHODS

Three stage sampling methods were used to select peasant associations (PA), villages and individual animals. A total of 901 sera samples were collected from 578 to 323 vaccinated goats and sheep, respectively. Competitive ELISA was employed as a tool of diagnosis.

RESULTS

An overall sero-conversion rate of 93.23% (95% CI: 91.40%-94.69%) was recorded. Statistically significant differences in sero-conversion were observed across age groups (higher in small ruminants > 2 years; P = 0.001; odds ratio = 3.35) and history of movement (higher in those having no history of migration; P = 0.04; odds ratio = 2.15). However, no significant differences were observed among species (P = 0.95; odds ratio = 1.02), sex groups (P = 0.16; odds ratio = 2), districts (P = 0.23; odds ratio = 1.66), and timing between vaccination and sampling for sero-monitoring (P = 0.06; odds ratio = 2.18).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the effectiveness of the vaccination program. The development of protective immunity in substantial proportion of goats and sheep after vaccination confirmed successful induction of flock immunity. Developing a strategy to track and manage the movement of small ruminants to minimize the introduction of unvaccinated animal is suggested.